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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


         This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") effective as of June 1,
1999 by and between American Eco Corporation, an Ontario, Canada corporation
whose principal executive offices are in Houston, Texas (the "Company"), and
Michael Appling, Jr. (the "Executive").

                                 R E C I T A L S

         Executive will serve as Vice President - Chief Financial Officer.

         The Chief Executive Officer of the Company has determined that it is in
the best interests of the Company to retain the Executive's services and to
reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the
Company's management, including the Executive, to their assigned duties without
distraction in potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility
of a change in control of the Company or the assertion of claims and actions
against employees.

         Both the Company and the Executive recognize the increased risk of
litigation and other claims being asserted against officers and directors of
companies in today's environment.

         The Bylaws of the Company require the Company to indemnify its
directors and officers to the full extent permitted by law.

         Costs, limits in coverage and availability of directors" and officers"
liability insurance policies and developments in the application, amendment and
enforcement of statutory and bylaw indemnification provisions generally have
raised questions concerning the adequacy and reliability of the protection
afforded to directors and officers and have increased the difficulty of
attracting and retaining qualified persons to serve as directors and officers.

         In recognition of the Executive's need for substantial protection
against personal liability to enhance and induce the Executive's continued
service to the Company in an effective manner and the Executive's reliance on
the Bylaws, and in part to provide the Executive with specific contractual
assurance that the protection promised by the Bylaws will be available to the
Executive (regardless of, among other things, any amendment to or revocation of
the Bylaws or any change in the composition of the Company's Board of Directors
or acquisition transaction relating to the Company), the Company wishes to
provide in this Agreement for the continuing employment of the Executive and the
indemnification of, and the advancing of expenses to, the Executive to the full
extent (whether partial or complete) permitted by law and as set forth in this
Agreement, and, to the extent insurance is maintained, for the coverage of the
Executive under the Company's directors" and officers" liability insurance
policies.

         The Company wishes to assure itself of the services of the Executive
for the period provided in this Agreement and the Executive wishes to serve in
the employ of the Company on the terms and conditions hereinafter provided.


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                                A G R E E M E N T

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants herein contained, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as
follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   EMPLOYMENT

         1.1 Employment. The Company hereby employs the Executive and the
Executive hereby accepts employment by the Company for the period and upon the
terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.

         1.2 Office and Duties.

                  (a) Position. The Executive shall serve the Company as Vice
         President - Chief Financial Officer with authority, duties and
         responsibilities not less than the Executive has on the date of this
         Agreement, with his actions at all times subject to the direction of
         the Chief Executive Officer.

                  (b) Commitment. Throughout the term of this Agreement, the
         Executive shall devote substantially all of his time, energy, skill and
         best efforts to the performance of his duties hereunder in a manner
         that will faithfully and diligently further the business and interests
         of the Company. Subject to the foregoing, the Executive may serve, or
         continue to serve, on the boards of directors of, and hold any other
         offices or positions in, companies or organizations that are disclosed
         to the Board of Directors and that will not materially affect the
         performance of the Executive's duties pursuant to this Agreement.

         1.3 Term. The term of this Agreement shall commence on June 1, 1999 and
shall end on the second anniversary of the date on which the Chief Executive
Officer notifies the Executive that the Chief Executive Officer has determined
to discontinue the automatic daily extension of this Agreement (the period of
time between the commencement and the end of this Agreement is referred to
herein as the "Term").

         1.4 Compensation.

                  (a) Base Salary. The Company shall pay the Executive as
         compensation an aggregate salary ("Base Salary") of $150,000 per year
         during the Term, or such greater amount as shall be approved by the
         Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. The
         Compensation Committee shall review the Executive's Base Salary at
         least annually. The Base Salary for each year shall be paid by the
         Company in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the
         Company.

                  (b) Annual Bonus. Each year during the Term, the Executive
         shall be eligible to participate in an annual bonus pool equal to 5% of
         the Company's net income, which shall mean the consolidated net income
         of the Company for its fiscal year, calculated in



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         accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as applied by
         the Company's auditors during their annual audit. The Company shall pay
         the Executive such bonus (the "Annual Bonus") no later than 90 days
         following the end of the Company's fiscal year. The amount of the
         Annual Bonus to which the Executive may be entitled shall be determined
         in advance by the Compensation Committee, but shall not exceed 75% of
         1.4(a).

                  (c) Stock Options. The Executive shall be eligible to receive
         grants of stock options pursuant to the Company's Employee Stock Option
         Plan, as amended May 7, 1997, and as amended hereafter, in amounts (if
         any) and on terms and conditions to be determined by the Compensation
         Committee of the Company's Board of Directors.

                  (d) Life Insurance. During the Term and subject to the
         Executive's qualification under normal life insurance underwriting
         standards as of the date hereof and at any policy renewal date, the
         Company shall provide, at the Company's expense, a term life insurance
         policy on the life of the Executive in a face amount equal to
         $2,000,000. The proceeds from such policy shall be payable as follows:
         50% to the Company and 50% to the Executive's estate.

                  (e) Disability Insurance. During the Term and subject to the
         Executive's qualification under normal disability insurance
         underwriting standards as of the date hereof and at any policy renewal
         date, the Company shall provide, at the Company's expense, a disability
         insurance policy that will pay the Executive, pursuant to the terms of
         such policy, an annual disability benefit of $200,000 until the
         Executive reaches the age of 65.

                  (f) Fringe Benefits and Perquisites. During the Term, the
         Executive shall be entitled to participate in or receive benefits under
         any plan or arrangement made available by the Company to its senior
         executive officers, including but not limited to any hospitalization,
         medical, dental or pension plan, subject to and on a basis consistent
         with the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and
         arrangements. Nothing paid to the Executive under any plan or
         arrangement made available to the Executive shall be deemed to be in
         lieu of compensation hereunder.

                  (g) Automobile Allowance. During the Term, the Executive shall
         be provided a car or paid a car allowance of $750.00 per month. This
         amount shall be paid on the first day of each month, and the Company
         shall also reimburse the Executive for all actual expenses associated
         with operating and maintaining the Executive's vehicle. The Executive
         shall submit receipts or other evidence of such expenditures, and the
         Company shall pay these amounts to the Executive within 30 days of
         receipt of such documentation.

                  (h) Payment and Reimbursement of Expenses. During the Term,
         the Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for all reasonable
         travel and other expenses incurred by the Executive in performing his
         obligations under this Agreement in accordance with the policies and
         procedures of the Company for its senior executive officers, provided
         that the Executive properly accounts therefor in accordance with the
         regular policies of the Company.



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                  (i) Vacations. During the Term and in accordance with the
         regular policies of the Company, the Executive shall be entitled to the
         number of paid vacation days in each calendar year determined by the
         Company from time to time for its senior executive officers, but not
         less than four weeks in any calendar year (prorated in any calendar
         year in which the Executive is employed hereunder for less than the
         entire year in accordance with the number of days in such calendar year
         during which the Executive is so employed).

                  (j) Benefits Not in Lieu of Compensation. No benefit or
         perquisite provided to the Executive shall be deemed to be in lieu of
         Base Salary, Annual Bonus, or other compensation.

         1.5      Termination.

                  (a) Disability. The Company may terminate this Agreement for
         Disability. "Disability" shall exist if because of ill health or
         physical or mental disability, and notwithstanding reasonable
         accommodations made by the Company, the Executive shall have been
         unable, unwilling or shall have failed to perform his duties under this
         Agreement, as determined in good faith by the Compensation Committee of
         the Company's Board of Directors, for a period of 180 consecutive days,
         or if, in any 12-month period, the Executive shall have been unable or
         unwilling or shall have failed to perform his duties for a period of
         270 days, irrespective of whether or not such days are consecutive.

                  (b) Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive's
         employment for Cause. Termination for "Cause" shall mean termination
         because of the Executive's (i) willful gross misconduct that causes
         material economic harm to the Company or that brings substantial
         discredit to the Company's reputation, (ii) final, nonappealable
         conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude, or (iii) material
         breach of any provision of this Agreement. Items (i) and (iii) of this
         subsection shall not constitute Cause unless the Company notifies the
         Executive thereof in writing, specifying in reasonable detail the basis
         therefor and stating that it is grounds for Cause, and unless the
         Executive fails to cure such matter within 60 days after such notice is
         sent or given under this Agreement. The Executive shall be permitted to
         respond and to defend himself before the Board of Directors or any
         appropriate committee thereof within a reasonable time after written
         notification of any proposed termination for Cause under item (i) or
         (iii) of this subsection.

                  (c) Without Cause. During the Term, the Company may terminate
         the Executive's employment Without Cause, subject to the provisions of
         subsection 1.6(d) (Termination Without Cause or for Company Breach).
         Termination "Without Cause" shall mean termination of the Executive's
         employment by the Company other than termination for Cause or for
         Disability.

                  (d) Company Breach. The Executive may terminate his employment
         hereunder for Company Breach. For purposes of this Agreement "Company
         Breach" shall mean:

                      (i) without his express written consent, any material
                      reduction in the authority, duties and responsibilities
                      that the Executive has on the date of this



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                      Agreement, or the assignment to the Executive of any
                      duties inconsistent with his positions, duties,
                      responsibilities and status with the Company, or a change
                      in his reporting responsibilities, titles or offices, or
                      any removal of the Executive from or any failure to
                      re-elect the Executive to any of such positions, except in
                      connection with the termination of his employment for
                      Cause, Disability or retirement or as a result of his
                      death or by the Executive other than for Company Breach or
                      Change in Control;

                      (ii) a reduction in the Executive's Base Salary as in
                      effect on the date of this Agreement or as the same may be
                      increased from time to time;

                      (iii) a relocation of the Company's principal executive
                      offices to any county other than Harris County or any
                      county contiguous thereto or the Company's requiring the
                      Executive to be based anywhere other than Harris County or
                      any county contiguous thereto, except for required travel
                      on the Company's business to an extent substantially
                      consistent with his present business travel obligations,
                      or, in the event the Executive consents to any relocation,
                      the failure by the Company (a) to retain a real estate
                      broker, at the Company's expense, and otherwise assist the
                      Executive in selling the Executive's principal residence
                      in Harris County, (b) to pay (or reimburse the Executive)
                      for all reasonable moving expenses incurred by him
                      relating to a change of his principal residence in
                      connection with such relocation and (c) to indemnify the
                      Executive against any loss (defined as the difference
                      between the actual sale price of such residence and the
                      higher of (1) his aggregate investment in such residence
                      or (2) the fair market value of such residence as
                      determined by a real estate appraiser designated by the
                      Executive and reasonably satisfactory to the Company)
                      realized on the sale of the Executive's principal
                      residence in connection with any such change of residence;

                      (iv) the failure by the Company to continue in effect any
                      benefit or compensation plan (including but not limited to
                      any stock option plan, pension plan, life insurance plan,
                      health and accident plan or disability plan) in which the
                      Executive is participating (or plans providing
                      substantially similar benefits), the taking of any action
                      by the Company which would adversely affect the
                      Executive's participation in or materially reduce his
                      benefits under any of such plans or deprive him of any
                      material fringe benefit enjoyed by him, or the failure by
                      the Company to provide the Executive with the number of
                      paid vacation days to which he is then entitled on the
                      basis of years of service with the Company in accordance
                      with the Company's normal vacation policy in effect on the
                      date hereof;

                      (v) any failure of the Company to obtain the assumption
                      of, or the agreement to perform, this Agreement by any
                      successor as contemplated in Section 4.13 (Binding Effect,
                      Etc.) hereof; or



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                      (vi) any material breach of this Agreement by the Company;

         provided, however, that a material breach of this Agreement by the
         Company shall not constitute Company Breach unless the Executive
         notifies the Company in writing of the breach, specifying in reasonable
         detail the nature of the breach and stating that such breach is grounds
         for Company Breach, and unless the Company fails to cure such breach
         within 60 days after such notice is sent or given under this Agreement.

                  (e) Change in Control. The Executive may terminate his
         employment hereunder within 12 months of a Change in Control (defined
         below):

                      (i) "Change in Control" shall mean any of the following:

                          (1) any consolidation or merger of the Company in
                      which the Company is not the continuing or surviving
                      corporation or pursuant to which shares of the Company's
                      common stock would be converted into cash, securities or
                      other property, other than a merger of the Company in
                      which the holders of the Company's common stock
                      immediately prior to the merger have the same
                      proportionate ownership of common stock of the surviving
                      corporation immediately after the merger;

                          (2) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in
                      one transaction or a series of related transactions) of
                      all or substantially all of the assets of the Company;

                          (3) any approval by the stockholders of the Company of
                      any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of
                      the Company;

                          (4) the cessation of control (by virtue of their not
                      constituting a majority of directors) of the Company's
                      Board of Directors by the individuals (the "Continuing
                      Directors") who (x) at the date of this Agreement were
                      directors or (y) become directors after the date of this
                      Agreement and whose election or nomination for election by
                      the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at
                      least two-thirds of the directors then in office who were
                      directors at the date of this Agreement or whose election
                      or nomination for election was previously so approved); or

                          (5) the acquisition of beneficial ownership (within
                      the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange
                      Act of 1934, as amended) of an aggregate of 15% of the
                      voting power of the Company's outstanding voting
                      securities by any person or group (as such term is used in
                      Rule 13d-5 under such Act) who beneficially owned less
                      than 10% of the voting power of the Company's



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                      outstanding voting securities on the date hereof, or the
                      acquisition of beneficial ownership of an additional 5% of
                      the voting power of the Company's outstanding voting
                      securities by any person or group who beneficially owned
                      at least 10% of the voting power of the Company's
                      outstanding voting securities on the date hereof;
                      provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, an
                      acquisition shall not constitute a Change in Control
                      hereunder if the acquiror is (w) the Executive, (x) a
                      trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an
                      employee benefit plan of the Company and acting in such
                      capacity, (y) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly,
                      by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the
                      same proportions as their ownership of voting securities
                      of the Company or (z) any other person whose acquisition
                      of shares of voting securities is approved in advance by a
                      majority of the Continuing Directors;

                          (6) subject to applicable law, in a Chapter 11
                      bankruptcy proceeding, the appointment of a trustee or the
                      conversion of a case involving the Company to a case under
                      Chapter 7.

                  (f) Without Good Reason. During the Term, the Executive may
         terminate his employment Without Good Reason. Termination "Without Good
         Reason" shall mean termination of the Executive's employment by the
         Executive other than termination for Company Breach or as a result of a
         Change in Control.

                  (g) Explanation of Termination of Employment. Any party
         terminating this Agreement shall give prompt written notice ("Notice of
         Termination") to the other party hereto advising such other party of
         the termination of this Agreement. Within thirty (30) days after
         notification that the Agreement has been terminated, the terminating
         party shall deliver to the other party hereto a written explanation
         (the "Explanation of Termination of Employment"), which shall state in
         reasonable detail the basis for such termination and shall indicate
         whether termination is being made for Cause, Without Cause or for
         Disability (if the Company has terminated the Agreement) or for Company
         Breach, upon a Change in Control or Without Good Reason (if the
         Executive has terminated the Agreement).

                  (h) Date of Termination. "Date of Termination" shall mean the
         date on which Notice of Termination is sent or given under this
         Agreement.

         1.6 Compensation During Disability or Upon Termination.

                  (a) During Disability. During any period that the Executive
         fails to perform his duties hereunder because of Disability, he shall
         continue to receive his full Base Salary and benefits pursuant to
         Section 1.4 (Compensation) until the Date of Termination.

                  (b) Termination for Disability. If the Company shall terminate
         the Executive's employment for Disability, then the Company shall have
         no further obligation to make any payment under this Agreement which
         has not already become payable, but has not yet been paid, except that
         the Company shall continue to provide the Executive with the benefits
         set forth in Section 1.6(f) (Employee Benefits) for the period
         described therein. The Company also shall make any additional payments
         necessary to provide the disability benefits set forth in Section
         1.4(e) (Disability Insurance) above.



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                  (c) Termination for Cause or Without Good Reason. If the
         Company shall terminate the Executive's employment for Cause or if the
         Executive shall terminate his employment Without Good Reason, then the
         Company shall have no further obligation to make any payment under this
         Agreement which has not already become payable, but has not yet been
         paid, except as may otherwise be provided under the terms of any
         employee benefit programs in which the Executive is participating.

                  (d) Termination Without Cause or for Company Breach. If the
         Company shall terminate the Executive's employment Without Cause or if
         the Executive shall terminate his employment for Company Breach, then
         the Company shall pay to the Executive, as severance pay in a lump sum
         no later than the 15th day following the Date of Termination, the
         following amounts:

                           (i) any payment of Base Salary (at the rate in effect
                  as of the Date of Termination) or Annual Bonus which has
                  already become payable, but has not yet been paid, through the
                  Date of Termination;

                           (ii) his Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which
                  the Date of Termination occurs, as pro-rated through the Date
                  of Termination. If such Annual Bonus is dependent upon
                  financial results for the fiscal year that are unknown at the
                  Date of Termination, his Annual Bonus received for the past
                  fiscal year shall substitute as his Annual Bonus for the
                  fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs; and

                           (iii) in lieu of any further Base Salary and Annual
                  Bonus for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, plus
                  the average Annual Bonus paid to the Executive during the
                  preceding two (2) years (or such shorter period for which any
                  Annual Bonus has been paid), an amount equal to the product of
                  (A) the sum of the Executive's Base Salary at the rate in
                  effect as of the Date of Termination, multiplied by (B) the
                  number one (1).

                  The Company shall also continue to provide the Executive with
         the employee benefits set for in Section 1.6(f) (Employee Benefits) for
         the period described therein.

                  If the Executive terminates his employment for Company Breach
         based upon a material reduction by the Company of the Executive's Base
         Salary, then for purposes of this Section 1.6(d) (Termination Without
         Cause or for Company Breach), the Executive's Base Salary as of the
         Date of Termination shall be deemed to be the Executive's Base Salary
         immediately prior to the reduction that the Executive claims as grounds
         for Company Breach.

                  (e) Termination Upon a Change in Control. If the Executive
         terminates his employment after a Change in Control pursuant to Section
         1.5(e) (Change in Control), then the Company shall pay to the Executive
         as severance pay and as liquidated damages (because actual damages are
         difficult to ascertain), in a lump sum, in cash, within 15 days after
         termination, an amount equal to the amounts provided in Sections
         1.6(d)(i), (ii), and (iii) above except (iii) shall be multiplied by
         the number two (2). In addition, if the Executive is liable for the
         payment of any excise tax (the "Basic Excise Tax") because of Section
         4999



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         of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or any
         successor or similar provision, with respect to any payments or
         benefits received or to be received from the Company or its affiliates,
         or any successor to the Company or its affiliates, whether provided
         under this Agreement or otherwise, the Company shall pay the Executive
         an amount (the "Special Reimbursement") which, after payment by the
         Executive (or on the Executive's behalf) of any federal, state and
         local taxes applicable thereto, including, without limitation, any
         further excise tax under such Section 4999 of the Code, on, with
         respect to or resulting from the Special Reimbursement, equal the net
         amount of the Basic Excise Tax. The determination of the amount of the
         payment described in this Section 1.6(e) shall be made by the Company's
         independent auditors.

                  (f) Employee Benefits. Unless the Company terminates the
         Executive's employment for Cause or the Executive terminates his
         employment Without Good Reason, the Company shall maintain in full
         force and effect, for the continued benefit of the Executive and, if
         applicable, his wife and children, the employee benefits set forth in
         Sections 1.4(d) (Life Insurance) and 1.4(e) (Disability Insurance), and
         any hospitalization, medical and dental coverage included in Section
         1.4(f) (Fringe Benefits and Perquisites) above that he was entitled to
         receive immediately prior to the Date of Termination (subject to the
         general terms and conditions of the plans and programs under which he
         receives such benefits) for the balance of the Term or for the period
         provided for under the terms and conditions of such plans and programs,
         whichever is longer, with the full amount of any applicable premiums to
         be borne by the Company.

                  (g) No Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to
         mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 1.6
         (Compensation During Disability or Upon Termination) by seeking other
         employment or otherwise.

         1.7 Death of Executive. If the Executive dies prior to the expiration
of this Agreement, the obligations under this Agreement shall automatically
terminate and all compensation to which the Executive is or would have been
entitled hereunder (including without limitation under Sections 1.4(a) (Base
Salary) and 1.4(b) (Annual Bonus)) shall terminate as of the end of the month in
which the Executive's death occurs; provided, however, that (i) the Company
shall pay to the Executive's estate, as soon as practicable, a prorated Annual
Bonus, if earned in accordance with the Company's annual bonus plan; (ii) for
the balance of the Term, the Executive's wife and children shall be entitled to
continue participation in the Company's group hospitalization, medical and
dental plans (if any), with the full amount of any premium to be borne by the
Company; and (iii) the Executive's named beneficiary or beneficiaries shall
receive the benefits payable pursuant to Section 1.4(d) (Life Insurance) hereof
and such reimbursement as may have been due to the Executive pursuant to Section
1.4(h) (Payment and Reimbursement of Expenses) hereof.



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                                    ARTICLE 2

                       NON-COMPETITION AND CONFIDENTIALITY

         2.1      Non-Competition.

                  (a) Description of Proscribed Actions. Throughout the
         Executive's employment during the term of this Agreement and, unless
         the Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 1.5(a) (Disability),
         Section 1.5(c) (Without Cause), Section 1.5(d) (Company Breach), or
         Section 1.5(e) (Change in Control), for a period of two (2) years after
         the termination of the Executive's employment, in consideration for the
         Company's obligations hereunder, including without limitation the
         Company's disclosure (pursuant to Section 2.2(b) (Obligation of The
         Company) below) of Confidential Information and the Company's agreement
         to indemnify the Executive (pursuant to Article 3 (Indemnification)
         hereof), the Executive shall not:

                           (i) directly or indirectly, engage or invest in, own,
                  manage, operate, control or participate in the ownership,
                  management, operation or control of, be employed by,
                  associated or in any manner connected with, or render services
                  or advice to, any Competing Business (as defined in Section
                  2.1(d) below); provided, however, that the Executive may
                  invest in the securities of any enterprise (but without
                  otherwise participating in the activities of such enterprise)
                  if (x) such securities are listed on any national or regional
                  securities exchange or have been registered under Section
                  12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and (y) the
                  Executive does not beneficially own (as defined Rule 13d-3
                  promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) in
                  excess of 5% of the outstanding capital stock of such
                  enterprise;

                           (ii) directly or indirectly, either as principal,
                  agent, independent contractor, consultant, director, officer,
                  employee, employer, advisor (whether paid or unpaid),
                  stockholder, partner or in any other individual or
                  representative capacity whatsoever, either for his own benefit
                  or for the benefit of any other person or entity, solicit,
                  divert or take away any suppliers, customers or clients of the
                  Company or any of its Affiliates (as defined in Section 2.1(e)
                  below); or

                           (iii) directly or indirectly, either as principal,
                  agent, independent contractor, consultant, director, officer,
                  employee, employer, advisor (whether paid or unpaid),
                  stockholder, partner or in any other individual or
                  representative capacity whatsoever, either for his own benefit
                  or for the benefit of any other person or entity, either (i)
                  hire, attempt to hire, contact or solicit with respect to
                  hiring, any employee of the Company or any Affiliate thereof,
                  (ii) induce or otherwise counsel, advise or encourage any
                  employee of the Company or any Affiliate thereof to leave the
                  employment of the Company or any Affiliate thereof, or (iii)
                  induce any representative or agent of the Company or any
                  Affiliate thereof to terminate or modify its relationship with
                  the Company or such Affiliate.

                  (b) Judicial Modification. The Executive agrees that if a
         court of competent jurisdiction determines that the length of time or
         any other restriction, or portion thereof, set forth in this Section
         2.1 (Non-Competition) is overly restrictive and unenforceable, the
         court may reduce or modify such restrictions to those which it deems
         reasonable and enforceable under the circumstances, and as so reduced
         or modified, the parties hereto agree that the restrictions of this
         Section 2.1 (Non-Competition) shall remain in full force and effect.
         The Executive further agrees that if a court of competent jurisdiction
         determines that any



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         provision of this Section 2.1 (Non-Competition) is invalid or against
         public policy, the remaining provisions of this Section 2.1
         (Non-Competition) and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be
         affected thereby, and shall remain in full force and effect.

                  (c) Nature of Restrictions. The Executive acknowledges that
         the business of the Company and its Affiliates is international in
         scope and that the Restrictions imposed by this Agreement are
         legitimate, reasonable and necessary to protect the Company's and its
         Affiliates" investment in their businesses and the goodwill thereof.
         The Executive acknowledges that the scope and duration of the
         restrictions contained herein are reasonable in light of the time that
         the Executive has been engaged in the business of the Company and its
         Affiliates, the Executive's reputation in the markets for the Company's
         and its Affiliates" businesses and the Executive's relationship with
         the suppliers, customers and clients of the Company and its Affiliates.
         The Executive further acknowledges that the restrictions contained
         herein are not burdensome to the Executive in light of the
         consideration paid therefor and the other opportunities that remain
         open to the Executive. Moreover, the Executive acknowledges that he has
         other means available to him for the pursuit of his livelihood.

                  (d) Competing Business. "Competing Business" shall mean any
         individual, business, firm, company, partnership, joint venture,
         organization, or other entity engaged in the industrial support
         services, specialty fabrication, or environmental remediation business
         in any domestic or international market area in which the Company or
         any of its Affiliates does business at any time during the Executive's
         employment with the Company.

                  (e) Affiliate. When used with reference to the Company,
         "Affiliate" shall mean any person or entity that directly or indirectly
         through one or more intermediaries controls or is controlled by or is
         under common control with the Company.

         2.2 Confidentiality. For the purposes of this Section 2.2
(Confidentiality), the term "the Company" shall be construed also to include any
and all Affiliates of the Company.

                  (a) Confidential Information. "Confidential Information" shall
         mean information that is used in the Company's business and

                           (i) is proprietary to, about or created by the
                  Company;

                           (ii) gives the Company some competitive advantage,
                  the opportunity of obtaining such advantage or the disclosure
                  of which could be detrimental to the interests of the Company;

                           (iii) is not typically disclosed to non-employees by
                  the Company, or otherwise is treated as confidential by the
                  Company; or

                           (iv) is designated as Confidential Information by the
                  Company or from all the relevant circumstances should
                  reasonably be assumed by the Executive to be confidential to
                  the Company.



                                       11
<PAGE>   12
         Confidential Information shall not include information publicly known
         (other than as a result of a disclosure by the Executive). The phrase
         "publicly known" shall mean readily accessible to the public in a
         written publication and shall not include information that is only
         available by a substantial searching of the published literature or
         information the substance of which must be pieced together from a
         number of different publications and sources, or by focused searches of
         literature guided by Confidential Information.

                  (b) Obligation of The Company. During the Term, the Company
         shall provide access to, or furnish to, the Executive Confidential
         Information of the Company necessary to enable the Executive properly
         to perform his obligations under this Agreement.

                  (c) Non-Disclosure. The Executive acknowledges, understands
         and agrees that all Confidential Information, whether developed by the
         Company or others or whether developed by the Executive while carrying
         out the terms and provisions of this Agreement (or previously while
         serving as an officer of the Company), shall be the exclusive and
         confidential property of the Company and (i) shall not be disclosed to
         any person other than employees of the Company and professionals
         engaged on behalf of the Company, and other than disclosure in the
         scope of the Company's business in accordance with the Company's
         policies for disclosing information, (ii) shall be safeguarded and kept
         from unintentional disclosure and (iii) shall not be used for the
         Executive's personal benefit. Subject to the terms of the preceding
         sentence, the Executive shall not use, copy or transfer Confidential
         Information other than as is necessary in carrying out his duties under
         this Agreement.

         2.3 Injunctive Relief. Because of the Executive's experience and
reputation in the industries in which the Company operates, and because of the
unique nature of the Confidential Information, the Executive acknowledges,
understands and agrees that the Company will suffer immediate and irreparable
harm if the Executive fails to comply with any of his obligations under Article
2 (Non-Competition and Confidentiality) of this Agreement, and that monetary
damages will be inadequate to compensate the Company for such breach.
Accordingly, the Executive agrees that the Company shall, in addition to any
other remedies available to it at law or in equity, be entitled to injunctive
relief to enforce the terms of Article 2 (Non-Competition and Confidentiality),
without the necessity of proving inadequacy of legal remedies or irreparable
harm.

                                    ARTICLE 3

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

         3.1      Basic Indemnification Arrangement.

                  (a) Claims Arising from the Executive's Position with the
         Company. In addition to any separate agreements between the Executive
         and the Company relating to indemnification, the Company will indemnify
         and hold harmless the Executive, to the fullest extent permitted by
         applicable law, in respect of any liability, damage, cost or expense
         (including reasonable counsel fees) incurred in connection with the
         defense of any claim, action, suit or proceeding to which he is a
         party, or threat thereof, by reason of his being or



                                       12
<PAGE>   13
         having been an officer or director of the Company or any subsidiary or
         affiliate of the Company, or his serving or having served at the
         request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of
         another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, business
         organization, enterprise or other entity, including service with
         respect to employee benefit plans. Without limiting the generality of
         the foregoing, the Company will pay the expenses (including reasonable
         counsel fees) of defending any such claim, action, suit or proceeding
         in advance of its final disposition.

                  (b) Contests of this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay
         promptly as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal
         fees and expenses which the Executive may reasonably incur as a result
         of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the
         Executive or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability
         under any provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance
         thereof (including as a result of any contest by the Executive about
         the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in each
         case interest on any delayed payment at the applicable Federal rate
         provided for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code.

                  (c) Liability Insurance. During the Term, the Company agrees
         to continue on the Executive's behalf, directors and officers insurance
         or any other indemnity policy presently carried on behalf of the
         Executive, and further agrees to supplement any such existing policy to
         cover all actions taken by the Executive in connection with his
         employment by the Company.

                                    ARTICLE 4

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         4.1 Period of Limitations. No legal action shall be brought and no
cause of action shall be asserted by or on behalf of the Company or any
Affiliate of the Company against the Executive, the Executive's spouse, heirs,
executors or personal or legal representatives after the expiration of two years
from the date of accrual of such cause of action, and any claim or cause of
action of the Company or any Affiliate shall be extinguished and deemed released
unless asserted by the timely filing of a legal action within such two-year
period; provided, however, that if any shorter period of limitations is
otherwise applicable to any such cause of action such shorter period shall
govern.

         4.2 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.

         4.3 Indulgences, Etc. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of
either party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this
Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further
exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any
waiver of any right, remedy, power, or privilege with respect to any occurrence
be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect
to any other occurrence.



                                       13
<PAGE>   14
         4.4 Executive's Sole Remedy. The Executive's sole remedy shall be
against the Company for any claim, liability or obligation of any nature
whatsoever arising out of or relating to this Agreement or an alleged breach of
this Agreement or for any other claim arising out of the Executive's employment
by the Company, his service to the Company, any indemnification obligation of
the Company or the termination of the Executive's employment hereunder
(collectively, "Executive Claims"). The Executive shall have no claim or right
of any nature whatsoever against any of the Company's directors, former
directors, officers, former officers, employees, former employees, stockholders,
former stockholders, agents, former agents or the Independent Counsel in their
individual capacities arising out of or relating to any Executive Claim. The
Executive hereby releases and covenants not to sue any person other than the
Company over any Executive Claim. The persons described in this Section 4.4
(other than the Company and the Executive) shall be third-party beneficiaries of
this Agreement for purposes of enforcing the terms of this Section 4.4
(Executive's Sole Remedy) against the Executive.

         4.5 Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
required or permitted under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, made and
received when sent by telecopy (with a copy sent by mail) or when personally
delivered or one business day after it is sent by overnight service, addressed
as set forth below:

                  If to the Executive:

                           Michael Appling, Jr.
                           1605 Harold
                           Houston, Texas  77006

                  If to the Company:

                           American Eco Corporation
                           11011 Jones Road
                           Houston, Texas 77070
                           Attn: Chief Executive Officer

Any party may alter the address to which communications or copies are to be sent
by giving notice of such change of address in conformity with the provisions of
this subsection for the giving of notice, which shall be effective only upon
receipt.

         4.6 Provisions Separable. The provisions of this Agreement are
independent of and separable from each other, and no provision shall be affected
or rendered invalid or unenforceable by virtue of the fact that for any reason
any other or others of them may be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part.

         4.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and
supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings,
inducements or conditions, express or implied, oral or written, except as herein
contained, which shall be deemed terminated effective immediately.



                                       14
<PAGE>   15
The express terms hereof control and supersede any course of performance and/or
usage of the trade inconsistent with any of the terms hereof. This Agreement may
not be modified or amended other than by an agreement in writing.

         4.8 Headings; Index. The headings of paragraphs and Index of Defined
Terms herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not
control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this
Agreement.

         4.9 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to
principles of conflict of laws.

         4.10 Dispute Resolution. Subject to the Company's right to seek
injunctive relief in court as provided in Section 2.3 (Injunctive Relief) of
this Agreement and the Executive's right to such a judicial determination that
the Executive should be indemnified by the Company (as provided in Section
3.1(b) (Conditions) of this Agreement), any dispute, controversy or claim
arising out of or in relation to or connection with this Agreement, including
without limitation any dispute as to the construction, validity, interpretation,
enforceability or breach of this Agreement, shall be exclusively and finally
settled by arbitration, and any party may submit such dispute, controversy or
claim, including a claim for indemnification under this Section 4.10 (Dispute
Resolution), to arbitration.

                  (a) Arbitrators. The arbitration shall be heard and determined
         by one arbitrator, who shall be impartial and who shall be selected by
         mutual agreement of the parties; provided, however, that if the dispute
         involves more than $2,000,000, then the arbitration shall be heard and
         determined by three (3) arbitrators. If three (3) arbitrators are
         necessary as provided above, then (i) each side shall appoint an
         arbitrator of its choice within thirty (30) days of the submission of a
         notice of arbitration and (ii) the party-appointed arbitrators shall in
         turn appoint a presiding arbitrator of the tribunal within thirty (30)
         days following the appointment of the last party-appointed arbitrator.
         If (x) the parties cannot agree on the sole arbitrator, (y) one party
         refuses to appoint its party-appointed arbitrator within said thirty
         (30) day period or (z) the party-appointed arbitrators cannot reach
         agreement on a presiding arbitrator of the tribunal, then the
         appointing authority for the implementation of such procedure shall be
         the Senior United States District Judge for the Southern District of
         Texas, who shall appoint an independent arbitrator who does not have
         any financial interest in the dispute, controversy or claim. If the
         Senior United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas
         refuses or fails to act as the appointing authority within ninety (90)
         days after being requested to do so, then the appointing authority
         shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the American Arbitration
         Association, who shall appoint an independent arbitrator who does not
         have any financial interest in the dispute, controversy or claim. All
         decisions and awards by the arbitration tribunal shall be made by
         majority vote.

                  (b) Proceedings. Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing
         by the parties to the arbitration proceedings:

                           (i) The arbitration proceedings shall be held in
                  Houston, Texas, at a site chosen by mutual agreement of the
                  parties, or if the parties cannot reach agreement



                                       15
<PAGE>   16
                  on a location within thirty (30) days of the appointment of
                  the last arbitrator, then at a site chosen by the arbitrators;

                           (ii) The arbitrators shall be and remain at all times
                  wholly independent and impartial;

                           (iii) The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted
                  in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
                  American Arbitration Association, as amended from time to
                  time;

                           (iv) Any procedural issues not determined under the
                  arbitral rules selected pursuant to item (iii) above shall be
                  determined by the law of the place of arbitration, other than
                  those laws which would refer the matter to another
                  jurisdiction;

                           (v) The costs of the arbitration proceedings
                  (including attorneys" fees and costs) shall be borne in the
                  manner determined by the arbitrators;

                           (vi) The decision of the arbitrators shall be reduced
                  to writing; final and binding without the right of appeal; the
                  sole and exclusive remedy regarding any claims, counterclaims,
                  issues or accounting presented to the arbitrators; made and
                  promptly paid in United States dollars free of any deduction
                  or offset; and any costs or fees incident to enforcing the
                  award shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, be
                  charged against the party resisting such enforcement;

                           (vii) The award shall include interest from the date
                  of any breach or violation of this Agreement, as determined by
                  the arbitral award, and from the date of the award until paid
                  in full, at 6% per annum; and

                           (viii) Judgment upon the award may be entered in any
                  court having jurisdiction over the person or the assets of the
                  party owing the judgment or application may be made to such
                  court for a judicial acceptance of the award and an order of
                  enforcement, as the case may be.

         4.11 Survival. The covenants and agreements of the parties set forth in
Article 2 (Non-Competition and Confidentiality), Article 3 (Indemnification) and
Article 4 (Miscellaneous) are of a continuing nature and shall survive the
expiration, termination or cancellation of this Agreement, regardless of the
reason therefor.

         4.12 No Duplication of Payments; Subrogation. The Company shall not be
liable under this Agreement to make any payment in connection with any claim
made against the Executive to the extent the Executive has otherwise actually
received payment (under any insurance policy, Bylaw or otherwise) of the amounts
otherwise indemnifiable hereunder. In the event the Executive actually receives
payment (under any insurance policy, Bylaw or otherwise) of any amount with
respect to which the Company has already indemnified or subsequently indemnifies
the Executive, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to
all of the rights of recovery of the Executive, who shall execute all papers
required and shall do everything that may be necessary to



                                       16
<PAGE>   17
secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to
enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

         4.13 Binding Effect, Etc. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their
respective successors, assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by
purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the
business or assets of the Company), spouses, heirs, and personal and legal
representatives. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether
direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all,
substantially all, or a substantial part, of the business or assets of the
Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the
Executive, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if
no such succession had taken place. The indemnity provisions of this Agreement
shall continue in effect regardless of whether the Executive continues to serve
as an employee of the Company.

         4.14 Contribution. If the indemnity contained in this Agreement is
unavailable or insufficient to hold the Executive harmless in a Claim for an
Indemnifiable Event, then separate from and in addition to the indemnity
provided elsewhere herein, the Company shall contribute to Expenses, judgments,
penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by or on behalf of the Executive in connection with such Claim in such
proportion as appropriately reflects the relative benefits received by, and
fault of, the Company on the one hand and the Executive on the other in the
acts, transactions or matters to which the Claim relates and other equitable
considerations.

         4.15 This Agreement supercedes and rescinds any existing employment
contracts now in effect between the Company and the Executive.

                                 * * * * * * * *



                                       17
<PAGE>   18
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be
executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized, and Executive has signed this
Agreement, all as of the day and year first above written.


                            AMERICAN ECO CORPORATION


                            By:
                               -----------------------------
                            Name:
                                 ---------------------------
                            Title:
                                  --------------------------



                            --------------------------------
                            Michael Appling, Jr.



                                       18
<PAGE>   19
                             INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM                                                SECTION
----                                                -------
<S>                                                 <C>
Affiliate                                           2.1(e)
Agreement                                           Preamble
Annual Bonus                                        1.4(b)
Base Salary                                         1.4(a)
Cause                                               1.5(b)
Change in Control                                   1.5(e)
Company                                             Preamble
Company Breach                                      1.5(d)
Competing Business                                  2.1(d)
Confidential Information                            2.2(a)
Date of Termination                                 1.5(h)
Disability                                          1.5(a)
Executive                                           Preamble
Executive Claims                                    4.4
Explanation of Termination of Employment            1.5(g)
Notice of Termination                               1.5(g)
Term                                                1.3
Without Cause                                       1.5(c)
Without Good Reason                                 1.5(f)
</TABLE>



                                       19